Nearly two-thirds of South Sudan’s population, about 7.9 million people, face acute hunger amid renewed nationwide fighting.
Violence has intensified in Jonglei State, where government troops and militias allied to Riek Machar have clashed since December.
Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, deepening suffering in one of the world’s poorest and most corrupt countries.
Acting agriculture minister Lily Albino Akol said 7.9 million people face acute food insecurity, urging urgent additional resources.
The United Nations warned four counties in Jonglei and Upper Nile risk famine, with 2.2 million children malnourished.
US embassy senior coordinator Charles Vetter said crisis worsens despite oil revenue and aid, as government fuels conflict.
He added obstruction, interference, theft and restricted access are limiting the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance efforts nationwide.
UN coordinator Noala Skinner called the findings a warning and roadmap, urging immediate action to save lives now.
She urged investment in agriculture, livelihoods and resilience to prevent further collapse of food systems and communities.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but civil war and chronic insecurity have since entrenched extreme poverty nationwide.
